Boston Dynamics has partnered with the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) to develop general-purpose humanoid robots, combining TRI's AI technology with Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot.

The collaboration aims to enhance the Atlas robot's capabilities by integrating TRI's research on Large Behavior Models, which will improve its whole-body skills for various tasks.

The initiative will be co-led by Kuindersma and Russ Tedrake from TRI, with the partnership initially set for one year but expected to extend.

The partnership will utilize TRI's behavioral libraries to train robots in generating human-like movements, enhancing their dexterous manipulation capabilities.

A new lab at Boston Dynamics' headquarters will facilitate real-time collaboration and experimentation between the teams involved in this initiative.

Milan Kovac, Tesla's Head of Engineering for Optimus, noted that advancements in the Optimus robots were influenced by Tesla's driver assistance technology.

Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, highlighted the collaboration's potential to tackle complex challenges in robotics.

Meanwhile, the NHTSA has opened a Preliminary Evaluation of Tesla's Full Self-Driving system following several crashes under poor visibility conditions.

Scott Kuindersma, senior director of robotics research at Boston Dynamics, emphasized the goal of creating robust robots that can effectively operate in real-world environments.

In related news, Tesla showcased its Optimus humanoid robots at a recent event, demonstrating their capabilities such as serving drinks and performing dance moves.

Looking ahead, the collaboration between TRI and Boston Dynamics aims to create solutions for mass production vehicles by 2030, focusing on enhancing development efficiency and product quality.

Boston Dynamics is recognized for its advancements in humanoid robotics, while TRI excels in developing Large Behavior Models for robotics.